Reviews for Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: 20x Optical Zoom, Progressive Shooting Mode, Full Manual Controls, handle zoom and record buttons, Simple to learn and use

Weakness: Some buttons tend to get bumped frequently due to their location, such as the digital effects button and ND filter which are located near the manual focus

I have been using this camera for two years now. I have used it to shoot sports, scenery, weddings, underwater (with the ewa-marine case) and more. I then edit with Premiere Pro and After Effects. The picture quality is the first thing that will set this apart from most digital video cameras, and even when compared to the professional cameras, the GL2 puts up similar quality and color saturation. I have used most of the shooting modes, and am particularly impressed with the progressive scan, or frame shooting mode. Its too bad it doesn't shoot in 24p, but hopefully a future GL3 will! The aperture is wide enought to get a great shallow depth of field and to allow for low light filming. For night video to look good though, you need lights, no matter what camera you have. This camera is no exception to that. The microphone is better than most handheld camera's, but its still not good enough to cut it for professional use, unless you are capturing ambient noise such as fooball crowds. Overall, this is a great little camera, and really, its been my best friend for the last two years. This is one product I would recommend without hesitation.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: Good mix of size, weight, balance, image quality, zoom lens. 3-chip (CCD) image sensor. 30-frames progressive recording mode.

Weakness: No XLR audio inputs for semi-pro shooters, omni-directional mic picks up unwanted background sounds, loud tape transport mechanism when ejecting and loading tapes

The GL2 is great camcorder that can be used for both personal vacation shooting and semi-pro jobs.

The image sharpness is great, perhaps due to the superior Canon flourite lens. The 20x optical zoom lens out-zooms any other camera in this range. The recorded image fills the entire 720x480 image area, whereas the older GL1 had black areas in the extreme edges of the screen. Filling the entire image area is good for uncropped video targeted for computer or web viewing.

Because of the relatively small size of this camera, you can take it almost anywhere and capture high quality video. You can hold and position this camcorder in ways and places that you wouldn't be able to with a full-sized shoulder-mount camcorder. This increases the versatility of the camcorder and the shots that you can record with it.

The trend these days is to have 16:9 and 24P, especially for indie filmmakers. Well, this camera does neither in a true form. Although you can do 16:9 widescreen with this camcorder, the image is cropped and precious lines of resolution are being thrown out the door. You're better off shooting in 4:3 and cropping later. The camcorder does do 30P fairly well, and this is usually the only mode that I shoot in. It's great for computer viewing because you don't get those annoying interlaced lines.

A brief note about HD camcorders...

Canon will probably come out with a newer GL-camcorder in the near future, and they might even have a HD camcorder. But who knows when? If you are considering holding out for High Definition (HD) camcorders, consider this: There is not yet a standard HD DVD format readily available to output your HD video. You have to output your projects back to your camcorder tape. You might as well hold out unless you really really need HD to record a special event and wait until HD DVD formats are formalized to output your project. Also consider that you will probably spend more investing in more processing power and storage space and TV monitor for HD video. Unless your clients all have HD TVs or require HD, then I would buy a standard definition camcorder like the GL2 until such HD standards mature.

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Canon GL2

Strengths: 20x zoom, easy to use, great footage. SD card is nice also.

Weakness: Not crazy about the color. Would be better to have a dark body instead of silver. Start up is noisey compared to GL1

I have used this camera for 2 years. Most of the time outdoors hunting and fishing vids. The silver body is bright in the hunting woods, hate that part. Had to make a camo cover and after a couple of covers (I'am no good at the sewing machine) I now have a good well hid camera. The 1.7 mp photos you get are not bad at all, Some people say the photos from this camera are poor. Well I did not buy it to take stills,but I have some darn good photos from it and glad I have the choice now to switch back and forth if I want. Buy this camera and get out and use it, the only way to master it is just use it. My wife did! With a good mono pod and a homemade pouch to wear on your belt you can move and shoot and extend the pod for some real steady shots, graet for the outdoor shooting.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: White balance, stereo mic settings, price

Weakness: Can't shoot blacklight pictures

This is a great camera with a lot of good settings available to you. I have owned a GL2 for about 6 months and just bought by second one. I have had no mechanical problems with it at all. The features that I especially like on it are: three settings of white balance (preset indoor, preset outdoor, and one you can set) this is a must if you want to shoot indoors and still have your color look right, stereo mic settings (an adjustment for both the right and left side), and you can use it as manually as you want (you can have it in total automatic mode or be able to set your shutter speed, iris, gain, focus, etc.). I use Premiere Pro and have had no problems capturing video to my PC. I did buy a bigger battery for my camera. I got the 945 on eBay for about $90. Also, make sure you get a UV haze filter for your lens. It will protect your lens from scratches and from harmful UV rays. I looked at getting an XL1s for my second camera but the main thing better in the XL1 is the ability to change your lens. Since I don’t own any others right now it wasn’t worth the extra money. The only thing I haven’t been able to shoot is a blacklight picture. I don’t think the white balance could adjust far enough. But most people won’t ever run into this problem.

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New Problem Arised!!!

Strengths: I like the Canon GL-2 and purchased this camera from Buydig.com using the pricegrabber.com. I have made two wedding videos with it and even filmed the reception outdoors at night. It did great.

Weakness: I wish the color and clarity was as good as still pictures, however no digital camocorder is that good. I have filmed on the Canon XL1 and the footage is just the same as the Canon GL2.

***Revised June 7, 2005
I purchase my Canon Gl-2 in Sept. 2003. I currently have a problem when you rewind the cassette it gives you an error of "Remove the Cassette" This is a common problem with many other GL-2 Users after 7-15 months of use. Type in Google Canon GL-2 Remove Cassette. And you will find I am not the only one with this error or problem.

Thanks Canon for allowing this break down after the warranty is over.

Go to the Canon website and look up Canon GL-2 and look up their service notices.. They are aware of the problem.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: 3 ccd, picture quality, manuel audio levels

Weakness: stock battery doesn't last very long

I have used this camera almost everyday for about one year now and this camera is great, i shoot a lot a night and no problems there.It has proved it self to be quite durable as i got run into and dropped it, and it's still going strong with no problems.

The manuel audio controls are a dream if you are making independent films.The controls on the handle are very convient.Built in neutral density filter comes in handy in bright filming situations.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: Outstanding video picture quality, full range of control from manual to automatic. It is one of the best camera for shooting low light condition (indoor.)

Weakness: The digital still picture is more to be desired. The microphone is omni directional. The fully loaded camera is a little bit heavy to be used on the road.

I think this is one of the best camera for consumer, if you don't want to spend money on the pro camera. I highly recommend this camcorder to anyone.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: 20x Zoom, LCD Screen, 3CCD, Good in Low Light, Manual Controls for many things, *Portability*

Weakness: Shotgun Mic not ideal, no XLR inputs; would suggest a Mic Adaptor

Alright people. I've had this camcorder for a little under a year and have done many projects with it. I have travelled to Mexico, Japan, done weddings, recitals, documentaries, workshops, sports events, etc.
I have always been satisfied with the picture quality (color saturation & a choice of frame or interlaced modes) and the degree of freedom it gives with manual control. You will enjoy the 20x optical zoom, and manual focus and white balance are your friends. I use them often. The fact that it's portable is a definite plus. Size has been a key factor in versatility of shots. Setup time is also relatively short, so I'm quickly able to setup and shoot something of interest before the moment is gone.
For a while I'd been desiring an XL2 (just because it's the next step up); but honestly this camcorder's VERY nice.
Now I will be honest, when people ask me to do a project and they see me whip the GL2 out, they kinda snicker because it looks like a toy, but they still gawk when they see the footage. So, if you're all about appearance, then get an XL1 or XL2; but if you know appearances can be deceiving, than this camcorder may serve you well. Remember, it's not necessarily the tools you have, it's how you utilize them.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: Optical Zoom, Great Color, Good Battery Life

Weakness: Heavy(get a tripod)

I had been using a JVC GR-DVP3U and a JVC GR-DVP70 for the last 4 years. I originally purchased these "pocket" size models for the convenience. They are small and easy to carry but the video quality is horrible. I didn't realize how terrible until I saw video shot on a friend's Canon GL2. No comparison. Not even close. The JVCs in low light were useless. The Canon is like being able to see in the dark by comparison.

My only complaint is holding it for very long. Your arm gets tired no matter what shape you're in. A tripod is a must for long periods of time. I can hold the little camcorders all day but this thing gets heavy real fast.

The video quality is great. I'm very happy with my purchase. Plus now I can use a wide angle lense or filters. These don't exist for the little JVC's I own.

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: Light Weight, good low light capabilities, unmatched picture quality

Weakness: None yet

The only thing negative I have to say about this camera is that when you are shooting professionally, it's smaller size makes you look less professional. I shoot weddings and dance recitals, and as far as I am concerned, I like the small size. I sold my XL-1 for this camera, because I wanted to be able to move around more freely for candid shots at receptions, and not be burdoned with a bigger and bulkier camera. I don't worry about what others may say about the size issue. The final product is what really counts, and I am 110% pleased! You won't be disappointed with this camera at all. I'm sold on it!

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Canon GL2 MiniDV Camcorder

Strengths: Fantastic optical stabilizer, lightweight, 20x optical zoom.

Weakness: I actually wish it was a bit bigger and intimidating when I'm shooting with other pros in the field.

I bought my Canon GL-2 a year ago and have loved almost everything about it. The video and color reproduction is crisp and clear. I love the many manual modes. I also appreciate the color bars generation capability to give it that pro look without having to do it in post.

I've done several events shoots and many people have asked me about the camera. My main gripe is that it could have a more impressive looking light shield in front to give it a more pro look like the Panasonic DVX100. It's okay. I end up adding a whole bunch of accessories like external Mics, and interview lights, etc. And it looks great. I'd definitely buy another.

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stan

Strengths: Great picture.

Weakness: Have three Gl-2's I use for our wedding video's. Two of them had the same problem. The palm strap broke off the camera were it goes inside the camera and is held by a rivet inside the camera.

The first time it hapened the camerea hit the floor. The batterie broke off and the tip of the mike broke. The secound time it happened to another camera I was wearing the neck strap and was able to hold on to it. First repair was 350.00 from connon. I asked if cannon was having any problems with this and was told they never seen this happen before. I can't belive I'm the only one having this problem. Now it has happened again to another camera. Has anyone else having this happpen to their camera?

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Great Camera

Strengths: Easy of use, vivid colors, varity of uses, battery length is good, sound through the mikes is super, download to the computer is a breeze.

Weakness: figuring out all the uses can be time comsumming.

I've had this camera 3+ years. It is top of the line for all applications. In doors lighting is important, out doors is easy, and adjustments are a snap. After learning all the different setting video and photos are a breeze. Set up is quick, download for video and photos is simple, and editing is easy. Overall for the price this camera meets or exceeds the average video maker's needs.

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